Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes not limited, eager to test sore ankle

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Patrick Mahomes said he was eager to test his injured ankle as the Kansas City Chiefs began preparations on Wednesday for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium.

“When you have a little bit of a roll, it’s a little bit sore,” Mahomes said. “But I’m able to move around and look forward to getting out to practice and seeing how I can push it as the week goes on.”

Coach Andy Reid said the Chiefs wouldn’t put limitations on Mahomes at practice.

Mahomes initially injured the ankle in a Week 8 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders. He aggravated the injury in Monday night’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when he abruptly pulled up from what started as a scramble to throw a touchdown pass to running back Samaje Perine.

Mahomes was helped from the ground after the play and examined briefly on the sideline before returning to the game on the Chiefs’ next possession without missing a snap.

He indicated that preparing himself to play against the Broncos was complicated because the Chiefs have a short work week.

“You can only do so much,” Mahomes said. “It’s pretty late [after Monday night’s game], but getting some stuff in the training room after the game, then getting some stuff to take home that you throw on there, stuff you can do overnight that you put on there to kind of reduce swelling and stuff like that.

“You come in early [Tuesday] and it was a long day yesterday of watching film and getting treatment and doing some rehab type stuff and preparing yourself for a short week and a practice [Wednesday].”

Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes Prepares to Play Against Broncos Despite Ankle Injury

Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is pushing through an ankle injury as he prepares for Sunday’s matchup against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. The injury, initially sustained during a Week 8 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, was aggravated in the Chiefs’ recent victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite the soreness, Mahomes remains optimistic about his ability to perform, aiming to test the limits of his mobility in practice.

Injury Update and Testing at Practice

In a recent press briefing, Mahomes acknowledged the lingering discomfort but expressed confidence in his recovery plan. “When you have a little bit of a roll, it’s a little bit sore,” he said. “But I’m able to move around and look forward to getting out to practice and seeing how I can push it as the week goes on.” Chiefs’ Head Coach Andy Reid has opted not to restrict Mahomes during practice, allowing him to gauge the limits of his movement and determine what he’ll be capable of on game day.

How the Injury Happened

Mahomes first injured his ankle in the Chiefs’ Week 8 victory against the Raiders, a game that saw the quarterback play through pain. However, the injury was exacerbated during a critical play in Monday night’s game against the Buccaneers. Mahomes initially took off on a scramble but pulled up abruptly to complete a touchdown pass to running back Samaje Perine. Though he briefly received assistance and was examined on the sideline, Mahomes quickly returned to the field, not missing a single snap in the remainder of the game.

Preparing for a Short Week

The Chiefs face a unique challenge this week due to the condensed schedule following Monday’s game. Mahomes explained that his training routine has been focused on mitigating swelling and maintaining ankle stability, involving post-game treatment, at-home therapy devices, and extended rehabilitation work with the team’s trainers. “You come in early [Tuesday] and it was a long day yesterday of watching film and getting treatment,” Mahomes said, underscoring the effort he’s putting into a speedy recovery.

Chiefs’ Confidence in Mahomes’ Durability

Coach Andy Reid has been open about his faith in Mahomes’ ability to adapt and perform, even with minor limitations. Mahomes has consistently demonstrated resilience, previously playing through a high ankle sprain in last year’s playoffs. This history of perseverance has inspired confidence among teammates and fans, who hope to see another gutsy performance on Sunday.

Balancing Recovery and Performance

Mahomes emphasized that while he’s eager to play, he’s also mindful of pacing himself through practices to avoid further injury. His focus is on evaluating how much pressure his ankle can handle, a strategy that could help him determine effective gameplay adjustments and avoid compromising his health further. The Chiefs medical staff has been working closely with him to ensure his mobility is sufficiently recovered by game time.

Team Morale and Game Implications

Despite the physical strain, Mahomes’ determination has had a positive impact on team morale. Fellow players have commented on his resilience, noting that his commitment to the game fuels their own confidence and motivation. A strong performance against the Broncos would solidify the Chiefs’ leading position in the AFC West, so the stakes are high for Mahomes to bring his best on Sunday.

Mahomes’ Strategy for Sunday

Fans can expect Mahomes to be strategic in his movements during the game, likely relying more on quick passes and minimizing unnecessary runs. With his ankle still healing, Mahomes may look to exploit his receivers’ speed to maximize offensive output while reducing his own need to scramble.

Potential Adjustments in Play Style

In the event Mahomes experiences limited mobility, the Chiefs may adjust their play style, possibly leaning more on the running game and adjusting routes to accommodate shorter, quicker passes. His adaptability has been key in similar situations in the past, allowing the Chiefs to maintain their offensive rhythm even when Mahomes isn’t at full strength.

The Chiefs’ Game Plan and Expectations

With or without a fully mobile Mahomes, the Chiefs are expected to bring a well-rounded game plan to Sunday’s matchup, utilizing their strong offensive line and dynamic receiving corps to outmaneuver the Broncos. Coach Reid has stated that the Chiefs will play to their strengths, adapting as needed based on Mahomes’ condition at kickoff.

Looking Ahead: Mahomes’ Season

Although Mahomes’ injury is a challenge, both he and the Chiefs are optimistic about a full recovery. With crucial games on the horizon, he remains committed to balancing recovery with performance, aiming to sustain his form as the season progresses. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Mahomes leads the Chiefs on Sunday, hoping to see him defy the odds once again and propel the team to another victory.